I did the new monthly budget yesterday and made a note of all the increases in both income and monthly bills to commence in April. It appears that the increases in husband's state pension, our small private pensions and our Attendance and Carers allowances won't cover the increases in all our household bills. There'll be a shortfall, albeit a reasonably small one, but a shortfall all the same. It won't be a problem, but will mean I'll have to keep a close eye on the finances (I do anyway) and may not be able to put away as much in savings as I'd like. Hey ho, we've got a roof over our heads and enough money to pay all our bills and have a comfortable life, many don't have that, so we're blessed. It's just a bit annoying that pensioners seem to be getting poorer, whilst MPs, CEOs of big corporations, footballers and the like have huge payrises. Where's the fairness in that?
Husband is dropping me off at the supermarket this morning on his way to the gym. I need a small top up shop again, no big shop yet as I want to use up lots of things in the freezer, prior to doing a big shop just before sister arrives (3 weeks today!). So it's mainly fruit and veg and some milk needed.
I made the dairy-free cheese sauce yesterday, using oat milk, nutritional yeast flakes and grated applewood smoked, I added some mustard and sage for flavour. It came out quite gloopy but the taste was alright, even husband said he liked it. I found it not cheesy enough for my tastes, but I'll rectify that the next time I make it - practice makes perfect.
I really feel for those people who are on a fixed income with no wriggle room. All the seemingly small increases soon add up to a huge amount.
ReplyDeleteYes, the dairy-free cheese isn't like a really tasty Cheddar, is it? The vegan Cathedral City cheese is OK, but I found, once had been opened for a couple of days, that strange taste appeared, so not for me! I suppose it comes down to try it to see if it works for you. I found a little miso paste stirred into cheese sauce added a certain umami flavour, but it's one of those ingredients that you might find you never use again. We've all been there! xx
I have been a strict vegetarian since 1992. I am not totally vegan, as I do like cheese on pizza. I eat and cook with vegan cheese and vegan margarine. I can't tell the difference. When I make chili, I sub meat with canned sweet potatoes...When I make spaghetti, it is without meat. My veggie burgers are delicious with beets, but sometimes, I buy the ones in the store that are made with sweet potatoes. I do NOT like any meat substitutes. I eat lentils, tons of beans...you name it, I have the perfect meals...never an animal...and seldom any dairy...it is easy...has come naturally...I just leave out the meat...never miss it. Good luck with your new recipes...you amaze me at all you do...have fun with your sister. Your blog is one of a couple I read. The ones in our country now, I can't do very often. I read yours and Diary of a Retired Teacher...
ReplyDeletePart of enjoying dairy free foods ( and vegan food in general) is to enjoy what it is and not try to replicate dairy and meat flavors. For example, I intentionally don't say Mac and cheese for example, but Mac in butternut squash sauce.
ReplyDeleteI agree, it is hard to be on a fixed income and cope with rising prices. All we can do is watch our expenditures and look for ways to save.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.